SALT LAKE CITY — The only unbeaten team in the Pac-12 has now been defeated. Utah football suffered its first loss of the season this past Saturday while on the road to Southern Cal.
Devontae Booker, a nationally ranked running back who generally averages over 100 yards per game, was only given the ball 14 times.
Meanwhile, Travis Wilson was intercepted three times by Trojans freshman linebacker Cameron Smith.
The Utah defense struggled Saturday as well, allowing USC 116 yards rushing and 4 rushing touchdowns. Troy’s Quarterback Cody Kessler completed 21 of his 28 pass attempts, including a touchdown.
But the Utes now aim to “not get beat twice” by the Trojans. Next on their plate is Oregon State. Although the Beavers rank near bottom in most important categories, Head Coach Kyle Whittingham looks back to the 2010 season, where Utah was ranked in the top 10.
The Utes were defeated so badly by No. 3 TCU, that Whittingham says they were beaten twice. The next week, Utah traveled to Notre Dame, a team that held an 0-11 record in its last top ranked team match-ups, and lost 28-3.
Come Saturday, wide receiver Britain Covey and linebacker Gionni Paul say fans should expect to see a vengeful game. The atmosphere in the locker room centers around revenge, not on Oregon State particularly, but on proving themselves after a loss. A fire has been lit, and the Beavers are on deck to try and put it out.
If you are attending the game, Utah fans are encouraged to wear back for its 8th annual blackout game. The Utes are 5-2 when playing in these games including a win over Oregon State.
